Carpentry Trades Contractors and Supervisors
(NOC 7204)
in All Trades and TransportationThese supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities Carpenters and Cabinetmakers. They work for construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial businesses, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies. Contractors may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 600. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. (yet overall job prospects are still considered limited). With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Contractors and Supervisors in Carpentry Trades most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 61% of Contractors and Supervisors in Carpentry Trades who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $52,029. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$27.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,684
Minimum$38,537
Median$83,015
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities Carpenters and Cabinetmakers. They work for construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial businesses, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies. Contractors may be self-employed.
Job duties
Contractors and supervisors in this group:
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of carpenters and cabinetmakers.
- Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments.
- Request materials and supplies.
- Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
- Train or arrange for training of workers.
- Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
- Make sure safe working conditions standards are met.
- Prepare schedules and other reports.
- May manage their own companies.
- May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
- Small businesses' contractors may carry out tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.
Sample job titles
- cabinetmaking contractor
- carpenter supervisor
- carpentry contractor
- finish carpenters foreman/woman
- form builders foreman/woman
- framers foreman/woman
- general foreman/woman - residential construction
- maintenance carpenters supervisor
- residential construction supervisor
Skills
You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are essential. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a related trade are required.
- Journeyperson trade certification in a related trade is required.
Other considerations
Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is some movement among jobs within a specific trade, however, there is little or no inter-trade movement among supervisors.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Manufacturing
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$52,526 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,198 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,058 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,039 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Cabinetmaking and Millwork
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Carpentry
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. They include courses in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines, test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems, repair hulls and vessel components, make and maintain sails, and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification: Certification in a related designated trade is required to work in this job.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.